The New England Patriots can clinch a record-tying sixth consecutive division title with a victory at home on Sunday against the erratic Miami Dolphins. This is not as easy as it sounds.

The Patriots (10-3) are one of two teams to win 10 games or more for 12 consecutive seasons, but the Dolphins have become their nemesis, beating them twice in a row. The Dolphins (7-6) either start slowly or finish poorly in most of their games and have just about run out of chances to end a five-year playoff drought.

A loss here will effectively eliminate them from the wild-card hunt and start a whole lot of talk about a coaching change. The Patriots have won eight of their last nine games.

OTHER GAMES WE’RE WATCHING

 
Denver Broncos (10-3) at San Diego Chargers (8-5): Broncos QB Peyton Manning saw a streak of 51 consecutive games throwing a touchdown pass end in his last outing; the Chargers come off one of their poorer offensive efforts of the season. A Broncos win clinches the AFC West, while the Chargers are chasing a wild-card berth.

Houston Texans (7-6) at Indianapolis Colts (9-4): A Colts victory means another AFC South title. The Texans are on the outside of chasing a wild-card berth in coach Bill O’Brien’s first season.

Cincinnati Bengals (8-4-1) at Cleveland Browns (7-6): Johnny Manziel makes his first start at quarterback for the Browns, who have lost their last two games. “Johnny has worked very hard to earn this opportunity and it will be very important for every member of the offense to elevate their play for us to obtain our desired result,” coach Mike Pettine says. The Browns have already beaten the Bengals and last swept the season series in 2002.

Dallas Cowboys (9-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (9-4): The Eagles beat the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. A second straight NFC East title is there for the taking for the Eagles. The Cowboys, however, are an NFL-best 6-0 on the road.

THURSDAY NIGHT RECAP

In an absolute snorefest, the Arizona Cardinals ran their record to 11-3 with a 12-6 win over the St. Louis Rams (6-8). No touchdowns, folks. Six field goals. Move along, nothing to see here.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .